The Anambra State Government has commenced the desilting of the major drainage channel at Okpoko, following days of widespread public concern over the condition of the drainage system. The channel, which carries floodwater from communities such as Nkpor and Awada into the River Niger, has reportedly remained blocked for many years, worsening flooding and environmental challenges in the area.
Lazeera News reports that the ongoing exercise is expected to restore the free flow of water through one of Onitsha’s most important drainage channels. Residents have welcomed the development while expressing hope that the government will extend similar interventions to other neglected drainage systems across the state.
While the government’s action deserves recognition, many believe the responsibility does not end there. Poor waste disposal habits, especially the practice of dumping refuse into gutters and drainage channels, continue to contribute to the problem. Keeping Anambra clean will require not only consistent government intervention but also a collective commitment from residents to protect the environment.
